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Updated: Aug 14, 2026
08:47
Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
Published on: February 2, 2020
Oral hygiene for the partially edentulous
Journal of Periodontology
|April 1, 1981
Summary
A proximal brush improved interdental hygiene for partially edentulous adults more effectively than toothpicks in specific areas. This study highlights optimal tool selection for better oral health in individuals with missing teeth.
Area of Science:
- Dental hygiene
- Periodontology
- Prosthodontics
Background:
- Partially edentulous individuals face unique interdental cleaning challenges.
- Maintaining oral hygiene is crucial for preventing complications like periodontitis and prosthetic complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of a proximal brush versus toothpicks for interdental cleaning in partially edentulous adults.
- To assess plaque removal on proximal tooth surfaces adjacent to and in contact with edentulous areas.
Main Methods:
- A crossover study design involving nineteen partially edentulous adults.
- Participants used a toothbrush alone, or with toothpicks, or with a proximal brush.
- Plaque levels were measured on examined tooth surfaces to determine cleaning efficiency.
Main Results:
- The proximal brush demonstrated superior cleaning efficiency compared to toothpicks on proximal tooth surfaces adjacent to edentulous areas.
- Toothpicks were more effective for cleaning proximal surfaces of teeth that were in contact.
Conclusions:
- A proximal brush is a more effective interdental cleaning device than toothpicks for specific areas in partially edentulous patients.
- Tailoring interdental hygiene tools to the specific tooth surface and edentulous area configuration is recommended for optimal oral health.
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